Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The House of Dead Maids

The House of Dead Maids
The House of Dead Maids
Author: Clare B. Dunkle
ISBN-13: 9780805091168
ISBN-10: 0805091165
Publication Date: 9/14/2010
Pages: 160
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 2

3.5 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

skywriter319 avatar reviewed The House of Dead Maids on + 784 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Gothic and gruesome, THE HOUSE OF DEAD MAIDS is not exactly my usual type of book, but is an excellent example of what creepy Gothic literature should be like.

Dunkle certainly knows her Victorianor more particularly, Bronteanlanguage. THE HOUSE OF DEAD MAIDS reads like it was written by someone who lived during that time and wanted to tell children a scary bedtime story. The historical fiction aspect is authentic and believable.

Accordingly, there is little character developmentVictorian lit was never that big on character growthbut in keeping with the tone of the book, thats okay. The ghost element is creepy enough if you like the gothic. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are indispensable to the creep factor.

THE HOUSE OF DEAD MAIDS ends on a slightly far-fetched note that segues interestingly into the book that it is a mini-prequel for, Wuthering Heights. That being said, one does not need to know Emily Brontes romance in order to enjoy this book. THE HOUSE OF DEAD MAIDS stands on its own as a creepy, albeit a bit slow, portrayal of the Victorian gothic. Dont read this on a dark night with the wind rattling tree branches right outside your window.